The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.

You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.

Different ways to apply for Social Security benefits.

You've worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more; We keep track of how many years you've paid Social Security taxes. Check your Social Security account to see if you're eligible.

Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5 percent in 2025, the Social Security Administration announced today. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will …

Get personalized retirement benefit estimates; Get estimates for spouse’s benefits; Get proof that you do not receive benefits; Check your application status; Get your Social Security Statement

Use the Social Security full retirement age calculator to find out when you are eligible for unreduced retirement benefits based on your birth year.

Retirement. Monthly payments based on your lifetime earnings. To be eligible, you must: Be age 62 or older, and; Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more.

Today, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more – from anywhere and from any of your devices!

Your personal my Social Security account gives you secure access to information based on your earnings history and interactive tools tailored to you. With your my Social Security account, you can plan for your future by getting your personalized retirement benefit estimates at age 62, Full Retirement Age (FRA), and age 70.